Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the 2nd Test of the Ashes series starting in Adelaide on December 16 due to a side strain injury. 25 years old Jhye Richardson has been named to the squad to replace him.
Hazlewood returned to the dressing room after bowling just eight overs on the fourth day of the first Test at Gabba. Since then, concerns have been raised about his fitness, and a later scan revealed a minimal strain.
The 30-year-old Aussie pacer is not playing in the first day-night Test of the Ashes series due to injury. As a result, Hazlewood flew straight from Brisbane to Sydney, to his home. But he will now focus on preparing himself for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
On the other hand, Jhye Richardson, who got a place in the squad, played his debut Test against Sri Lanka in 2019. He played two matches in that series, and he is also in good form at this year’s Sheffield Shield.
Due to his great form in the domestic season, many people demanded to give Jhye Richardson a chance in the team instead of Mitchell Starc in the first Test, but it did not happen. He is finally getting a chance in the Adelaide Test due to some luck.
Australia has not made any new additions to the squad for the second Test. David Warner did not field during England’s second innings in Brisbane and the opener did not bat in the second innings after a rib injury. But he is expected to be fit. Besides, Usman Khwaja is in the squad as an extra batsman.
The visiting England lost to Australia in the Brisbane Test and fell behind 1-0 in the Ashes. However, the injuries of these two Australian players can bring a lot of relief to the England camp.